Russell Leroy Otte

Russell Leroy Otte

02/14/1947 - 03/11/2022

Russell Leroy Otte died on March 11, 2022, surrounded by his daughters, wife, and sister. He is survived by his two daughters, Erin Otte Richards (James Richards) and Joyce Otte (Daniel Berger), his three cherished grandchildren, Fiona Richards, Henry Berger, and Rosalie Berger, and his sister, Janice Read (Mike Read, niece Jessica Read). He was also the beloved husband of Sara Hopkins and his first wife, Rose Kelly Otte.



Russ began his study of music very early in life, and, by his early teens, was playing the organ at church services in Seymour, Indiana. He went on to study music at Indiana University from which he graduated in 1967. His first teaching position was in Kokomo and later in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Homestead High School. It was there that he developed his love of musical theater productions. He would go on to be the musical director of several dozen student musicals. After his time at Homestead High, Russ studied at the University of Oregon and then spent 26 years teaching choir and music theory at Ashland High School. His students often say that he taught them about life as much as about music.



Throughout his life, Russ was an active community member. He sang with the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers and the Trinity Episcopal Church choir. He was a long-term volunteer with Habitat for Humanity where the best days were the ones when families got the keys to their homes. He also participated with Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (Portland) with their service trips to Nicaragua and Honduras.



Russ was blessed by two wonderful marriages. He met his first wife, Rose Kelly Otte, at Indiana University. Her accomplishments in child and youth programs were cut short by her death from breast cancer in 1996. In 2007, Russ was introduced to his second wife, Sara. Their relationship brought him renewed joy and she became his cherished companion and an invaluable part of his family.



He loved his daughters fiercely and was proud of all their accomplishments. He loved having his family together. He will be missed by his extended Kelly and Otte families and his Ashland community.



"If music be the food of love, sing on till I am filled with joy." Sing on Russ.



A Celebration of his life will be held at the Historic Ashland Armory 208 Oak St., on Saturday March 26 from 1-5.



Contributions to the following agencies are appreciated:

1.Russ and Rose Otte Endowed Scholarship Fund, Ashland High Schooll Oregon Community Foundation , Medford: 818 W 8th St. Medford, OR 97501

2.Southern Oregon Repertory Singers PO Box 1091, Ashland, OR 97520

3.Habitat for Humanity: RogueValleyHabitat.org